THREE masked men broke into the Coop food store in Prestatyn overnight.

A Co-op spokesman said: “An incident occurred in our Prestatyn store in the early hours of this morning when three intruders entered the store. Damage has been caused, and police are investigating. It is too early to confirm further details, and we appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything at around 3:30am to come forward to police. The store is expected to re-open later today.”

He confirmed the damage was confined to a plate glass window and the kiosk area of the store where tobacco and cigarettes are stored, and the store management is assessing the loss.

Rhyl Journal: Damage to the Prestatyn Co-op store. Picture: David AllittDamage to the Prestatyn Co-op store. Picture: David Allitt

“The store is closed at the moment while the police examine the scene and make enquiries."

A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: "The incident happened at about 2.53am this morning, Tuesday 7th May, when three masked men forced their way into the Co-op Store on Ffordd Penrhwylfa in Prestatyn.

"They ransacked the cigarette counter before leaving the store, in what is described as a dark blue Ford Focus."

DC Dave Smith of St Asaph CID said: “Thankfully nobody was in the store when the men, who were believed to be wearing balaclavas over their faces and dark clothing, entered the shop by smashing a window.

He added: “We are viewing local CCTV and would ask anybody who was in that vicinity around that time or passing with a Dashcam to make contact quoting incident number X062294.”

Anyone who may have any information relating to this incident, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact St Asaph CID  on 101 or use the live webchat https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support  Alternatively call Crimestroppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Detectives are appealing for information following a burglary at a Prestatyn store. 

Rhyl Journal: Damage to the Prestatyn Co-op store. Picture: David AllittDamage to the Prestatyn Co-op store. Picture: David Allitt

Pictures sent into the Journal show the convenience store in Ffordd Penrhwylfa, has been boarded up, and the shop has been sealed off by the police.